A tortoise or land turtle is a land-dwelling reptile of the Order Testudines (Turtles, Tortoises, and Terrapins). Order Testudines are oldest reptile groups; much more ancient group than lizards and snakes. The earliest known Order Testudine has its origins since 215 million years ago.

Tortoises generally have lifespans comparable with those of human beings, and some individuals are known to have lived longer than 150 years. Because of this, they symbolize longevity in some cultures, such as China. The oldest tortoise ever recorded, indeed the oldest individual animal ever recorded, was Tui Malila, who was presented to the Tongan royal family by the British explorer Captain Cook shortly after its birth in 1777. Tui Malila remained in the care of the Tongan royal family until its death by natural causes on May 19, 1965. This means that upon its death, Tui Malila was 188 years old.